The older man nodded. "Hurry back afore the storm arrives."
"Storm?" Torr frowned.
Finnian pointed. "See the black clouds on the edge of the horizon?"
Glancing out again, Torr spotted the trace of sinister clouds on the far western edge. "'Tis several miles out yet."
"But fast moving. I've placed a spell of protection on all of you." Using his staff, Finnian headed up the cliff path.
Torr nodded, not comforted one iota by Finnian's proclamation. His charms and potions were suspect.
Torr and Gavin hastened toward the birlinn. By the time Torr boarded and glanced back, Finnian was safely at the top of the path and headed toward the castle.
The MacCain and MacTavish clansmen positioned themselves at the oars.
"We must hurry, lads. Dark clouds are lurking," Gavin said.
***
FROM THE WIND-WHIPPEDbattlements, Catriona watched Torr leave with Gavin and the other men. Once they disappeared down the pathway toward the shore, she went inside and descended the steps to her bedchamber. She found her maid tidying the room.
"You should rest, Aggie. It has been a long day. Take the evening off."
Her maid paused and turned, her brows scrunched with concern. "But who will order your bath?"
"I'll do it later." The splattered mud from the trail was the least of Cat's worries.
"I thank you, m'lady." Aggie curtsied and left.
Cat approached the window and gazed out toward the ocean.
"Please, God, help Torr find Brodie and bring him home," she whispered, then noticed ominous clouds on the horizon. Fear ricocheted along her nerve endings. "Oh, good heavens, please keep the storm at bay and protect the men."
A sharp knock sounded at her door, startling her. "Who is it?"
Her mother opened the door and strode in, her face more flushed than usual. A scowl marred her normally beautiful features. "Where have you been the last sennight, and why did you run away?" Her tone was more severe than usual.
"Because you were trying to force me to marry that brutish MacPeter." Cat tried to remain calm so as not to anger her mother further. Not that she feared her, but she did wish to show respect.
"As you well know, lairds and ladies always arrange their children's marriages. My marriage to your father was arranged. 'Tis the way of it!"
Increasing annoyance stirred within Cat. "'Tis a horrible tradition that needs to be banned."
"Humph. Do not be childish."
"'Tis nay childish. 'Tis common sense to want to spend your life with someone you love."
"I loved your father."
Cat believed her, for her father had been a noble, considerate, and handsome man—not too different from Brodie. But there was no way in Hades Cat could ever love MacPeter. "You were lucky to have been matched with such an honorable man, Ma. If Da had been like MacPeter, I think your marriage would've been intolerable."
"Are you thinking you get to choose your own husband?"
"Aye. Why not? You are terrible at picking a husband for me."
Her ma gasped. "If you were smaller, you would get a spanking."
"Well, I'm a woman grown, and I deserve to marry whomever I choose."
